Officials broke ground July 7 on the new Betty V. Coles Elementary School and the Miguel A. Hernandez Intermediate School in Trenton.

The $89.4 million, 124,000-square-foot facility will serve as two schools in one: a K–3 elementary school and an intermediate school for grades fourth through sixth. It marks the 10th capital project completed by the New Jersey Schools Development Authority in Trenton since the inception of the school construction program. SDA previously invested more than $380 million in completed projects in the state capital.

The new facility can accommodate a maximum of 837 students, featuring:

• 30-plus general classrooms
• Science demonstration room
• Multipurpose lab
• Art room
• Three makerspaces
• Four small group instruction rooms
• Vocal music room
• Instrumental lesson room
• Cafetorium
• Gymnasium
• Media center

The project is advancing through a design-build approach. Ernest Brock & Sons Inc. serves as the design-build contractor. As part of the contract, that firm is working with SSP Architectural Group Inc. on the design, while Joseph Jingoli & Son Inc. manages the project.

The school is being built with the goal of achieving LEED certification.

‘An investment in Trenton’

During the Tuesday groundbreaking, the SDA joined the Trenton School District, as well as local officials and students to mark the beginning of construction.

SDA Chief Executive Officer Manuel Da Silva said the foundation under construction will support an educational facility that represents a commitment to students, educators and the community.

“Today, we break ground on more than a new school – we celebrate an investment in our state’s most valuable stakeholders – it’s students,” said Da Silva. “Together, alongside our school district, state, local and construction partners, our shared vision and purpose will result in a new school that will unlock countless opportunities for Trenton’s young learners.”

“We are so excited to have a new school constructed in the city of Trenton,” said Trenton Superintendent James Earle. “This groundbreaking represents an investment in Trenton Public Schools, our students, our families, and our future.”